A surprising discovery of frescoes behind a false ceiling in Rome's Villa Farnesina reveals vibrant 17th-century artwork, hidden for centuries in a once-grand living room. Visitors can now explore these masterpieces through a dedicated exhibition running until January 12.
A hidden treasure of 17th-century frescoes has been uncovered in Villa Farnesina, Rome. Rosy-cheeked cherubs, preserved in vivid hues of blue, red, and gold, adorn the paintings concealed for centuries above the vaulted ceiling of what was once the living room of Agostino Chigi, a prominent banker and Renaissance patron. Chigi had the villa constructed at the beginning of the 16th century.
Electrician Davide Renzoni discovered the frescoes by accident last year while performing maintenance work on the villa, which sits on the banks of the Tiber River. Renzoni recounted his experience: “I went to get a lamp, and when I turned it on, everything appeared: it was a marvel.”
The frescoes feature cherubs holding a green festoon, with another cherub brandishing a golden helmet. Created by a lesser-known artist, these paintings also bear the coat of arms of the noble Farnese family.
Cardinal Alessandro Farnese acquired Villa Farnesina in 1579, intending to connect it to the Farnese Palace across the Tiber. Although the plan was never realized, the villa remained a historical landmark. Purchased by the state in 1927, the villa has undergone extensive restoration, but these frescoes had faded into obscurity, according to curator Virginia Lapenta.
Their rediscovery led to a special exhibition dedicated to 17th-century art on the villa grounds, a site also renowned for frescoes by Renaissance master Raphael. Although visitors cannot view the frescoes directly due to security concerns, they can appreciate them through photographs and videos displayed in the exhibition, which will be available until January 12.
Lapenta noted that these displays also allow the villa to closely monitor the frescoes' preservation, ensuring their lasting protection. These rediscovered frescoes offer a rare glimpse into Rome’s rich artistic heritage, bridging Renaissance grandeur with Baroque artistry. Through this exhibition, Villa Farnesina continues to celebrate and preserve its legacy, allowing visitors to experience the timeless beauty of its hidden masterpieces.
With AFP
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